This should probably be at the beginning of my posts. Like I have said, I am just writing random thoughts as I think them up. This process has lasted many years. If this were to ever become a book, the posts could be put in some kind of chapter order.
As adopting parents of an international orphan, we were clueless about what was going to happen. Taking in a child was no problem. We had been doing it as foster parents. We were prepared for most behaviors. Most of the foster children did not want to be with us. I had said in a past post that the best preparation for adopting is foster care. You also walk a fine line. That always concerned us.
During our run up to going to China, we tried to attend meetings. Whether it was with people that had already adopted or with groups like ourselves. Angie kept up with all that she could find. This particular sit down was a meeting at a Chinese restaurant. They had a doctor there to talk to us.
In addition to us, there were some families that had travelled to China. We got to listen to a speech about medical issues. This also led to things to do and not do in China. Drinking water is not advisable. All water must come from a sealed bottle, even when brushing your teeth. You can bathe in it, but do not got any in your mouth.
Other information that we got made it sound like China was a third world country. Some families were talking about all the things to bring. I'm surprised they even ate the food. I guess they couldn't figure how to bring their own. I would say, you do need to watch where you eat. Stands outside selling food might be a risk. Guess what, they do have stores in China, even Wal-mart. They also have restaurants. Western fast food places are popping up all over China. If you can't order at a local place, eat at a fast food joint. It tastes just like home, to a point. Some meals are made for the Asian audience.
Some medicines might be needed, but be careful. If it is a liquid or lotion, they will confiscate it. We lost a tube of baby cream in Beijing. It was the mega size container and the TSA(Chinese Version) would not allow it on the plane. Our guide tried to persuade him, but she did not prevail.
Another issue that was brought up, clothes. Some people bring clothes and donate them. While others just buy more at the stores. They do have cleaning services. The hotels are the most expensive, but your guide can arrange cheaper services.
As I remember it, they did not talk much about going out. I would say one thing, if you are going to fly all the way to China for an adoption, explore. We did not do much on the first adoption and I regret it. We will one day go back to Jaingxi. I wish we had seen more of it. If you have a chance to visit an orphanage, do so. You can tell your child about it, especially if he/she is a baby.
Take everything you hear from people, who have travelled there, with a grain of salt. Some people blow it out of proportion. They might be mad the people don't speak their language or they don't understand the mannerisms of the people. We did not let it bother us. You might be shocked when you see all the spitting and blowing of noses that goes on.
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